End of Mia's Flashback

"Will the trauma truly heal?

Will we live a life that's free?

It seems history always repeats itself,

A shadow cast eternally.

Yet hope's tender touch remains,

Whispers of love, a sweet embrace,

In hearts entwined, where pain refrains,

Dreams and trust are crushed again!, in time and space."

She hugged her tightly, tears mingling with a sad smile. "We have each other, and we have the strength to move forward. You're stronger than you know, Mia. Together, we can heal and find happiness again."

We both found our peace, happiness, and joy again, Mum. But I fear trusting anyone ever again. Now you want me to make friends? Mum, I'm better off alone. I have you. Please don't force me; if anything happens, I might blame you.

With tear-filled eyes, Mia pleaded with her mum to stop forcing her to make friends. She stopped talking when she saw her mum start to cry.

"I know, my child," her mum said softly, her voice trembling. Your dad did terrible things, and you lost trust in him because you always saw him as a savior and protector. You called him your pal. But please, not everyone is bad. Even if we all have our good and bad sides, you should try to understand your friends' views.

Mia's mum tried to convince her, but Mia only became more upset. Ma! Do you by any chance mean that he was right? Wait, are you still on his side? Are you?! she shouted, her anger and hurt boiling over. 

Her mum's face crumpled, tears streaming down as she reached out to Mia. "No, sweetheart, of course not. I just want you to have a chance at happiness, to see that the world isn't just filled with pain and betrayal."

But Mia pulled away, her voice breaking. "I can't, Mum. I just can't. He took away my trust, and now...I don't know how to get it back. How can I believe in anyone again after what he did to us?"

Mia's heart ached as she saw the sorrow in her mum's eyes, a reflection of her own pain. The room felt heavy with unspoken words and shared grief, each tear a testament to the deep wounds they both carried.

After high school, I joined university, and it was there that I met Sara. Thinking of my worried mum at home, I decided to make Sara my friend, hoping it would bring a smile to Mum's face. Little did I know, Sara would become such a bright light in my life, easing the shadows of my past and bringing a bittersweet comfort that I longed for.

I only opened up to Sara because of my mommy's peace of mind. She was worried about my well-being, and I wanted to ease her worries. She became so happy, always asking about my friend, and we smiled a lot, even if it was only through phone calls.

Sara seemed to be a good person. She smiled a lot, joked, and teased me out of my shyness. She was crazy and lively, so I said to myself, It's okay. She is nice; she can't hurt me. Maybe Mum was right. Some people are good and don't change.

Unlike my father, who was changed by money and forgot he was still a human being, treating us like slaves—no, like animals. He wasn't like that before; he changed without warning.

Okay, Mum, I will listen to you. I will try to forgive and forget! But, Mummy, you're too good. Forgetting might take time, but I will try, only for your sake.

Now, Sara is a part of me. I love her a lot. It's been a full year since we became friends in our first year at campus. We are the happiest friends, and everyone knows us. We share so many sweet, silly moments that fill my heart with joy.

It's a sweet feeling I wish to protect, just like my mummy always protects me.

End of Mia's Flashback

Mia's Pov:

Was Sara's care, love, and smile real? Could she have done all that to me if she truly cared? Mum, will you be alright? I'm broken. How can I protect you from the pain she has caused me? Oh, my mummy. Sara, why did you bring back our long-lost history? It hurts to remember. Once again, money changed the person I loved and cared about the most, and now I feel lost and betrayed.

They always say history repeats itself, but why?! Can't someone who has gone through hell to open up to a new life expect love, care, and a home, only to find out that nothing was real? It hurts so much to realize it was all a game for the other person's benefit. Life feels unbearable right now. I'm so done.

As long as she tells me why she did it, I'm saying it all to my mum, I hope she will be okay. I have to stay strong for her. But how? I can't even comprehend what she did. The betrayal cuts so deep.

Hahaha... *sobs* It's hard to laugh when all I feel is this overwhelming sadness and confusion.

End of Mia's Pov: